The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-04
CAPTURED BATTLE FLAGS.
How They Were Regarded by an Earlier
Generation.

How They Were Reg garded by Earlier
Generation.
Washington Special
Eighty three years ago the Secretary Of War
was reqested by the House of Representatives
to report what had become of the flags, stand
ards and colors captured at various times by the
United States forces Secretary Armstrong
made prompt response to this inquiry, and
the whole subject thereupon referred to
committee. of which Mr. Seybert was chairman.
This committee in due time presented an elabo-
rate report, setting forth the reasons why such
trophies should be preseFved
''It is believed there cannot be a difference OF
opinion this subject; it is natural to rejoice at
the victories and glory of our country In Eu-
rope the trophies which have been gained in war
are preserved with uncommon care AS monu-
ments of national power they have been
cherished by ali civilized nations. In England
they highly priced Not content that they
should constitute the ornaments of their military
institutions such standards are deemed proper
subjects for the decorations of the temples which
they have consecrated to the purposes of reli.
eious worship. In France. the galleries of Notre
Dame emblazoned with these splendid tro-
phes the chapel OF the Hotel of the In nyalides is
richly embellished The trophies of war orna-
ment the places of worship in Prussia, Bohemia
and Austria. It affords no common satisfaction
to the disabled tar or the superannuated soldier.
when he informs the inquisitive stranger that
he gloriously fought in the battle which may
nave Raln6Q some OF tuetil IOT tue tfIuo uo lOE-
gets his former sufferings and his present dis
abled condition; his consolation rests upon the
power and and glory of his country, SO fully dem
onstrated bv the sight of so numerous ensigns
which have been taken"
The committee further reported that the Con-
gress of the Revolution had been urgent to pre-
serve the trophies taken the field of battle
Finally it discussed the real value of such care
in exciting national spirit
tsThe value of standards does not depend upon
the gaudy colors which they exhibit, no more
than upon the nature of the stuff of which they
may be fabricated. They have been at all times
regarded the insignia of fame and power; their
surrender is the act of submission. The last
wish of the proud bearer is the preservation OF
his eagle too often is the loss of it sealed with
erations a large scale, though the result
Of u battle should prove destructive to thousands
of those who were engaged, the capture of q sim
gle standard constitutes a prominent feature In
the details of the action, and adds much to the
brilliancy of the achievement. Colors takeL
from the enemy were considered present wor-
thy of the nation to General Washington fog
his signal services in the capture of Earl Corn
wallis The records of the proceedings of Con-
gress during whole Revolution mention but
two instances where this highly honorable and
distin guished mark OF appreciation was noted.
The public exhib ion of these trophies is due to
them. The sight of them will bring to recollec-
ton every circumstance of cause and effect
They will constitute valuable records of illustri-
Gus portions of our history"
It may be added that a result of the elab-
crate report of this committee, statutes were en-
acted designed to carry into effect its recon-
m mendations.